In a fiery exchange on CNN, political analyst Scott Jennings unleashed a blistering critique of President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. The move, which shields Hunter from federal charges related to tax evasion and gun crimes, has sparked fierce debate and accusations of hypocrisy, particularly given Biden’s prior public denials that such a pardon would occur.
Jennings, appearing on Face the Nation, didn’t hold back in his condemnation, calling the pardon a betrayal of democratic principles and a slap in the face to the rule of law. “This is the worst possible thing a president could do to his party and to the country,” Jennings said. “To sit for a year and say, ‘I will not do this, the rule of law is sacred,’ and then to turn around and do exactly that — it’s a lie. It’s a grift. Every American, except the most partisan, brain-rotted people, should be outraged by this.”
Jennings’ remarks come as backlash mounts over Biden’s apparent reversal. Throughout the past year, Biden and his administration repeatedly dismissed the possibility of a pardon for his embattled son. Public statements from the President, coupled with assurances from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, painted a picture of adherence to the rule of law and an unwillingness to interfere in legal proceedings.
That narrative was upended when Biden issued a sweeping pardon for Hunter, effectively insulating him from legal consequences tied to federal tax and firearm charges. Critics, including Jennings, argue that the timing and execution of the pardon reveal premeditation. Reports suggest that Biden’s team began planning the move as early as June, months before the announcement, and delayed it to minimize political fallout during election season.
The tension spilled over into a contentious debate on CNN, where Jennings clashed with fellow panelist Karen Finney. Finney defended the pardon, claiming it was justified and accusing Jennings of overstating its implications.
“I’m fine with this. That’s why I’m defending it,” Finney said, attempting to shift the conversation toward Biden’s broader legacy.
Jennings, however, wasn’t convinced. “Are you fine with him sitting before the election all year and lying to the American people?” he fired back, referencing the extensive public record of Biden’s denials.
Finney countered, “I don’t think he was lying. I think he made a decision after the fact.”
Jennings dismissed this explanation, pointing to the deliberate timing of the pardon. “There’s almost as much tape of Biden saying he wouldn’t pardon his son as there are seasons of Survivor,” Jennings quipped, illustrating how frequently the President had denied such an outcome.
The pardon has sparked a deeper conversation about credibility and accountability within the Biden administration. Jennings targeted the President’s surrogates, particularly Jean-Pierre, for what he called a “complete erosion of credibility.”
“If Karine Jean-Pierre had any self-respect, she’d resign,” Jennings said, accusing the press secretary of misleading the public. “This administration has drained every ounce of credibility from its surrogates.”
🔥HOLY SMOKES: @ScottJenningsKY takes a blowtorch to DNC shill who says Biden ‘wasn’t lying’ when he said he wouldn’t pardon Hunter.
This is four minutes of straight FIRE:
“It’s all a lie. It is all a grift. Every American except the most partisan, brain-rotted people are going… pic.twitter.com/WbR2kgNomn
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 2, 2024
The sweeping nature of the pardon has drawn comparisons to Gerald Ford’s controversial pardon of Richard Nixon.
Biden’s decision covers all potential offenses committed by Hunter Biden from 2014 to 2024, effectively shielding him from future investigations or charges.
Do you know why Biden picked 2014 as the first year of Hunter’s pardon?
That’s when he was appointed director of Ukraine’s Burisma, starting a sequence of events that almost ended in World War 3. And so we go full circle. pic.twitter.com/6CchwEjxtz
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) December 2, 2024
The timing of Hunter Biden’s legal troubles adds another layer of scrutiny. Hunter was convicted of gun charges in June and pleaded guilty to tax crimes in September, raising questions about why the pardon wasn’t addressed sooner.
For many, Biden’s decision undermines his repeated pledges to restore trust in the presidency and the justice system. Critics argue that the pardon not only erodes public faith in the administration but also sends a dangerous message about accountability for those in power.
The controversy has deepened partisan divides. While Jennings and other conservatives have called the pardon a political misstep with far-reaching consequences, Democrats have framed it as a personal decision rooted in compassion. They argue that the President acted as a father rather than a politician, prioritizing family over optics.
Yet, even among Biden’s allies, there’s an acknowledgment of the political risks involved. The decision has opened the door to Republican-led investigations into Hunter Biden’s business dealings and the President’s alleged involvement.
As the fallout continues, Jennings’ critique reflects a broader frustration among those who see Biden’s actions as a betrayal of trust. “This isn’t just about Hunter Biden,” Jennings concluded. “It’s about whether Americans can believe anything this President says. Right now, the answer is no.”
The debate over Hunter Biden’s pardon is far from over, and the political implications could shape the narrative heading into 2024. For now, Biden faces the dual challenge of defending his decision while contending with a growing credibility crisis.
